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Cork Insulation and Fluid Geometry in a Guesthouse Surrounded by Olive Groves

Authors:
Suzan Amato, Ida Jonassen
Cork Insulation and Fluid Geometry in a Guesthouse Surrounded by Olive Groves
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With its fluid geometries and use of local materials like cork and limestone, the guesthouse harmoniously blends into the olive grove landscape, creating a serene environment for culinary exploration and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid geometries reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual integration.
02
Cork insulation is utilized for its sustainability and thermal performance.
03
A central courtyard features an olive tree, symbolizing the region's heritage.
04
Recycled glass tiles complement natural materials, supporting eco-friendly practices.
05
Large glass facades maximize natural light and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

**Project Overview**
Located in Barreiras, Portugal, Hora de Ouro is designed as a guest house focused on the art of olive oil tasting. The project aims to integrate architecture with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a connection to nature through its design. The building's form and layout respond to the topography, allowing for expansive views of the countryside while enhancing the user experience.

**Spatial Interaction and Design Language**
The architectural concept features gentle contours and dynamic arches that reflect the undulating hills and olive groves characteristic of the region. This approach fosters a sense of continuity between the structure and its environment, employing an architectural language that combines modern forms with elements inspired by local flora. Key design elements include arched entrances and substantial glass windows, which create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. A rooftop pool enhances this connection by providing a vantage point from which guests can appreciate the surrounding landscape.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
Construction materials have been selected for their local significance and sustainability. Limestone anchors the structure with durability, while oak wood and cork offer warmth and insulation derived from regional resources. Olive tree wood is utilized in finishes and furnishings, honoring craftsmanship traditions. The design incorporates terracotta for aesthetic continuity and recycled bottle glass tiles to enhance light and sustainability. Passive energy solutions, including natural ventilation and strategic solar orientation, further underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility, minimizing energy consumption and promoting ecological harmony within the architectural framework.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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